How to Raise Cattle on a Small Acreage

To raise cattle in a small space, just like anything else done in a small space, you have to be organized. Have the exact space mapped out of where you are going to raise your cattle, know what you are going to use for shelter, have their health care scheduled out, know how to supplement their feed intake and know your purpose with these cattle. Have these plans and stringently go by them for space, budget and organizational purposes.

Things You'll Need

  • Pens
  • Cattle chute
  • Shelter for cattle
  • Veterinarian
  • Feed consultant
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Instructions

    • 1

      Figure out what type of cattle operation you would like to have on your small plot of land. Fence it in for the cattle with an area for shelter, a containment chute, easy access to clean water, a place to put fresh hay when needed, and feed.

    • 2

      Select a type of cattle that will work best for the type of operation you want to have and for your environment. For instance, if you live in a harsh weather environment, purebred cattle may not be the best, but a hardier crossbreed would probably work well.

    • 3

      Think as you buy your herd about physical characteristics that will be hard to keep up with in a small area. You will want to dehorn any cattle with horns, castrate any young male bull, and immediately vaccinate and worm the cattle once you bring them to your place. A regular vaccination and deworming schedule should be implemented.

    • 4

      Talk with the local feed store about how many acres you have, the type of cattle you have and your operation. They will quickly come up with a feed plan for you which will include feed and hay. Regular visits to your place will help them understand your situation and they may suggest newer technologies in feed as they come out.

    • 5

      Think about alternative ways to maintain your herd rather than keeping a bull on site for breeding. You can either buy young calves as you go or use artificial insemination. Artificial insemination will take the help of a veterinarian at first, but it will keep down on the complications of having a bull on a limited number of acres.